The Cabinet endorsed a bill Tuesday that would allow people affected by the Fukushima nuclear crisis to seek damages from Tokyo Electric Power Co. after the statute of limitations runs out after three years.
Only half of around 6,000 damages claims have been concluded despite the efforts of a government organization to mediate settlement talks between victims and Tepco.
Because some cases may become invalid after next March, the third anniversary of the disaster, the government compiled the bill to allow people to file damages suits within one month after their settlement talks break down.